Perde 2
[Textpart 2]
When we departed thence, we left him alive; whether he’s living now or not, Orcus, forsooth, must know that.
TYNDARUS
The matter’s all right; he’s not only lying, but he’s even philosophizing now.
HEGIO
What’s his name?
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PHILOCRATES
ThesaurochrysonicocrœsidesThesaurochrysonicocrœsides: This is a name made up of several Greek words, and seems to mean a son of Crœsus, abounding in treasures of gold, in allusion to Crœsus, the wealthy king of Lydia. The author indulges m similar pleasantry in the Miles Gloriosus..
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HEGIO
That name has been given, I suppose, by reason of his wealth, as it were.
PHILOCRATES
Troth, not so, but rather by reason of his avarice and grasping disposition; for, indeed, he was Theodoromedes originally by name.
HEGIO
How say you? Is his father covetous?
PHILOCRATES
Aye, by my faith, he is covetous.
Why, that you may even understand it the better,—when he’s sacrificing at any time to his own GeniusTo his own Genius: As the Genius of a man was not only his guardian Deity through life, but the word was also used to signify his capacity for enjoyment; the term to sacrifice to his Genius, is supposed by some Commentators to mean, to indulge the appetite in feasting and good checr. This, however, seems not to be the meaning in this instance; and he probably intends to be understood as alluding, literally, to the domestic sacrifice to the Genius, the vessels that are needed for the sacrifice he uses of Samian ware, lest the Genius himself should steal them; from this, consider how much he would trust other people.
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HEGIO
Do you then follow me this way. (Aside.) The things that I desire to know, I’ll enquire of him. (Addressing TYNDARUS.) Philocrates, this person has done as it becomes an honest man to do.
For from him I’ve learnt of what family you are sprung; he has confessed it to me. If you are willing to own these same things (which, however, understand that I already know from him), you will be doing it for your own advantage.
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TYNDARUS
He did his duty when he confessed the truth to you, although, Hegio, I wished carefully to conceal both my rank and my wealth;
now, inasmuch as I’ve lost my country and my liberty, I don’t think it right for him to be dreading me rather than you. The might of warfare has made my fortunes on a level with himself. I remember the time when he didn’t dare to do it in word; now, in deed, he is at liberty to offend me. But don’t you see? Human fortune moulds and fashions just as she wills.
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Myself, who was a free man she has made a slave, from the very highest the very lowest. I, who was accustomed to command, now obey the mandates of another. And indeed, if I meet with a master just such as I proved the ruler in my own household, I shall not fear that he will rule me harshly or severely. With this, Hegio, I wished you to be acquainted, unless perchance you your self wish it not.
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HEGIO
Speak boldly out.
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TYNDARUS
As free a man was I till lately as your son. As much did a hostile hand deprive me of my liberty as him of his. As much is he a slave among my people, as I am now a slave here with yourself. There is undoubtedly a God, who both hears and sees the things which we do. Just as you shall treat me here, in the same degree will he have a care for him.
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To the well-deserving will he show favour, to the ill-deserving will he give a like return. As much as you lament your son, so much does my father lament me.
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HEGIO
That I am aware of. But do you admit the same that lie has disclosed to me?
TYNDARUS
I confess that my father has very great wealth at home, and that I am born of a very noble family; but I entreat you, Hegio,
let not my riches make your mind too prone to avarice, lest it should seem to my father, although I am his only son, more suitable that I should be a slave in your house, bountifully supplied at your expense and with your clothing, rather than be living the life of a beggar where ‘twould be far from honorable.
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